University of Hawaii System newsletter

Maui College joined forces with the Maui Police Department to give students a glimpse of job opportunities in law enforcement. Maui and Baldwin High School students attended a two-day career shadowing workshop at the Maui Police station where they were introduced to police work, speed detection, traffic laws, fingerprinting and crime scene diagramming.

Career shadowing is designed to give participants a close look at various careers. Through this experience, students connect their interests directly to career pathways, related skills and educational options.

“The whole purpose is to spark an interest and get the kids interested in a college career,” says Lt. Wayne Ibarra, a 1998 graduate of UH Maui College’s administration of justice program. “It is a critical period for kids between the ages of 18 and 20, and if they are not busy then, they tend to get in trouble with the police. The career-shadowing program gives them a positive path towards achievement.”

The next career-shadowing event will be held in June in partnership with the Maui Research and Technology Park and Maui Economic Development Board, Women in Technology Project.